Category Archives: Salons and Spas

Moroccan Liquid Gold Ritual (Argan Facial) Review at Lakme Salon

Moroccan Liquid Gold Ritual (Argan Facial) at Lakme Salon

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My experience of the Moroccan Liquid Gold Ritual (Argan Facial) at Lakme Salon

Moroccan Magic, Now for your skin

Discover the Moroccan Liquid Gold Ritual, our new signature facial at your nearest Lakme salon.

As a woman, aging is something you battle every day of your life. And now on, you will be on the winning side.

For the first time in India, Lakme salon brings to you the remarkable goodness of Argan oil for your skin. It’s made from the kernels of the Argan tree fruit found in Morocco. Argan oil is enriched with high levels of cosmetic, therapeutic, hydrating and nutritious properties that help you fight against premature aging and the harsh UV rays.

Indulge in our magical Moroccan Liquid Gold Ritual to rejuvenate your skin’s ageless glow. It helps your skin maintain the necessary levels of collagen, which diminishes due to age and the rough environmental conditions. It is also effective against aging, cell degeneration, skin inflammation, dryness and slight acne.

Book your appointment right away to experience the magic.

MRP: Rs.2700/-

Duration: 60 minutes

Know Lakme’s exclusive 3 step Moroccan Liquid Gold Ritual:

1. DETOX

• Gel cleanser (Lakme Professional Cleansing Gel) followed by an enzymatic based scrub for exfoliation (They use Christine Valmy Vegetal Peel– Bromelin, Papaya, Pineapple)

• A mixture of Lactic acid (Lakme Professional- contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids) along with other actives (Christine Valmy Special Cream 11) are mixed together and applied to desquamate cells and help better penetration.

• The skin is neutralized by a skin toner. (Lakme Professional)

2. REVIVE

• Pure Argan oil (Moroccanoil) is applied to the clean skin with gentle pressure point massage for 10 minutes followed by Gold peel off masque. (Lakme Professional-Lemon, cucumber, green tea, vitamin C)

• Skin instantly feels fresh, hydrated and nourished once the masque is peeled off.

• It’s later cleansed with a toner to remove the residues of the masque.

3. RENEW

•To finish the experience, few drops of the Argan oil is applied on the skin as a moisturizer, followed by Moisture Finish Vit E Suncreen. (Lakme Sunscreen)

I had gone for trying out this facial at the Lakme Salon, Bandra..and at first I was a little skeptic of argan oil on my face..but the procedure as a whole sounded good. The girl I was attended by, explained the whole treatment to me in detail. She told me its a hydrating facial and it repairs the skin..but that does not mean people with oily skin cannot go for this facial since it helps with Grade 1 acne too…only if you have too many pimples and Grade 3 acne, they would avoid doing this facial on you.

It helps in cell regeneration, improves skin’s elasticity and healing acne scars, etc making you skin more softer, clearer and supple.

At first, the skin was cleansed followed by a enzyme based vegetal peel. Then, lactic used mixed with Special Cream 11 is applied all over as a pack..there can be mild tingling here since the lactic acid has AHA’s. Its followed by a toner and Morocaanoil..which is massaged all over the face for better penetration..the 10 minutes massage for the head, face and neck is the best part here..deeply relaxing..I did bet you would sleep!

Then, a gold peel off masque is applied till it sets dry and is peeled off..followed at the end by few drops of Moroccanoil and sunscreen (for protection since your skin is peeled coz of lactic acid and AHA’s)

I saw my skin looked fresh and hydrated and there was a glow. But, the skin looked even more better after 1-2 days. The effect stays for a week or so. Also, the dead skin cells are gone, so you get rid of the tan too. I had gone for this service before..and now I am so tanned that I need it again 😀

Before- After

I am not sure if you can see much difference in this before-after pic coz of the lighting there.

I think its totally worth a try before your special event or something..though its priced at a higher side for your normal regular monthly facial if you go for one..but worth a investment once in 5-6 months.

My only issue was they used Moroccanoil on the face..I mean I agree its pure and all,but its a hair product for a reason. I would have much preferred if they did use pure argan oil. Also, I got a small pimple after a day or two..so since the face is cleansed of dirt, etc..sometimes it first reacts and one may break out as it all comes out and up.But soon the skin settles and you would see good results.

Some precautions to be taken:

  • Do not thread or bleach 4-5 days before going for this facial and 7 days after.
  • Do not use any creams, serums,etc on your face after this facial for 7 days..just a mild face wash and sunscreen.
  • Use enough sunscreen if you going to be out in the sun, after this facial, since it involves a peel.

Ya, I guess if you follow these basic things, you are good to go. If you have tried this facial or if you try now, do let me know your comments and views below.

Have you/Will you try the new Moroccan Liquid Gold Ritual at Lakme Salon ?

P.S: Services were provided complimentary but that has not affected my review.

Moroccanoil Hydrating Treatment at Taj Palace Salon

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Moroccanoil Hydrating Treatment at Taj Palace Salon

TAJ SALON~The Epitome of Timeless Beauty and Iridescent Elegance~

Ok so if you guys follow me on Instagram, you know I went to the Taj Palace Salon in Mumbai for ‘A Day of Beauty’ some time back..

And it was for the Moroccanoil Hydrating Treatment..

As soon as I entered, there were amazing colorful macaroons and fruit tarts and sandwiches served right across the main desk..and also all the Moroccanoil Products were on display.

Here is some info about the Taj Mahal Palace Salon..and I also have the rate card for you guys..

• The salon at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai first opened its doors in 1940 as one of the only 2 salons in the country
• The salon was run by Madame Jacques (a French national who ) for 42 years, who was a pioneer in the beauty industry
• Madame Jacques retired in 1981 and the salon was renovated and re-launched under the brand ‘Taj Salon’
• Some of our earliest employees who joined us back in the 1970s continue to work with us today or have retired with us after more than 3 decades of service with the company

Taj Salon embodies everything its name stands for – beauty, luxury, class and above all – service. With an expanding presence across more than 11 properties of the Taj which include three in Mumbai at The Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder, Taj Lands End, Bandra, Vivanta by Taj President, Cuffe Parade and other locations like Delhi, Kolkata and Pune, Taj Salon has rightly earned its place amongst the finest in beauty and hair styling.

Driven by the philosophy of pushing the boundaries of beauty and hair care to become the benchmark of excellence by consistently delivering quality and best in class services to every client, The Taj Salon for men and women exemplifies the ambience of an up-market luxury salon offering the perfect blend of hair styling and beauty treatments that far exceed mere indulgence.

Rate Card..

It has only recently been honoured again for its contribution to the hair & beauty industry with awards such as “Best Hotel Salon Chain of the year” as well as “Best regional spa of the year for East India – Kolkata”, at the prestigious Indian Salon Congress awards, held at New Delhi, earlier this month.

With years of experience in building the finest professional hair and beauty care in the professional salon industry coupled with continuous up gradation of skills and intensive staff training, their team of experts understand the stringent standards of technical expertise they must adhere to, and work with care and precision to achieve the sophisticated look their style conscious clients love to flaunt.

Step into the Taj Salons and you will see a dynamic melting pot of creative talent whipping up innovative techniques and styles to constantly deliver the latest in beauty and fashion. Several signature treatments in hair and beauty are offered, though the most decadent is the Taj Salon Signature Pedicure, Beaubelle experience Facials and Moroccan Oil Hair Spa ritual, as well as the luxurious pampering, organic hair rituals by So Pure which are a hot favorite amongst the regulars.

The Taj Salon boasts of having styled illustrious global personalities, which include industrialists such as JRD Tata, Ratan Tata, the Bajaj family, the Ambanis, the Goenkas, the Lodhas; international celebrities and diplomats such as Margaret Thatcher, Hillary Clinton, Sharon Stone; famous sports personalities such as Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pietersen, Dilip Vengsarkar; Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, Anil Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Randhir Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Preity Zinta, Siddharth Malhotra, Jacky Shroff, Ileana D’cruz, Malaika Arora Khan, Anupam Kher; renowned personalities from the world of music such as Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Shubha Mudgal and crème de la crème of the Mumbai society like Rashmi Uday Singh, Shania NC, Rahul Mahajan, the Narangs, Anupama Chopra, Sabyasachi, Suhel Seth, Prasoon Joshi, and many more.

The basic services at the Taj Salon like haircuts range from Rs.750/-* for men and about Rs.2500/-* for women. Taj Salon has mastered the art of providing exceptional service at affordable prices.
All the hair and beauty services come with a complimentary consultation.

Locations present:
Mumbai – Pune – Nasik – Ahmedabad – Jaipur – Jodhpur – Lucknow – Kolkata – Chennai – Delhi

Timings:
9am to 7.30pm

*prices at the Taj Salon, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, as of January’14

I was attended by Meena Siddique..and she was amazing..learnt a lot of tips and tricks from her..

There are different Moroccanoil Hydrating Treatments and options.. The Price of Moroccan Oil Hydrating treatment – ranges from Rs. 2300 – Rs. 2700 depending on length and thickness of hair. Prices are inclusive of tax.

Since my hair was not very dry..she recommended the Light Hydrating Treatment..and not the Intense one..

At first, hair was washed with a shampoo and conditioned..then she applied the Moroccanoil Light Hydrating Mask section by section..

Hair was then washed with plain water..no shampoo.

And later the Moroccanoil Light Serum was used and hair was given a cold blast..and the dried hair already felt so soft and amazing and the best part..super light as if nothing at all is used..

And later they were styled and blow dried.

And the final result..

I was so in love with my hair ! They looked and felt awesome..and I received lots of compliments from the team there for my long hair..they all loved the outcome too 🙂

Also received this cute Moroccanoil two bag and Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner and the Intense Hydrating mask to try..

Have you ever tried the Moroccanoil Hydrating Treatments ? Been to Taj Salons anywhere ? Do share your experience..

P.S: Services were provided complimentary..but that has not affected my review.

Lakmé Absolute Salon presents 3 extravagant days of fashion and beauty!

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Lakmé Absolute Salon presents 3 extravagant days of fashion and beauty!

Don’t miss the ‘Style Files’ starting 18th April!

If you haven’t made good on your fashion and style resolutions for 2014, it’s never too late to get started. If you’re wondering what haircut or colour would best suit you or how you should go about creating a dramatic smoky eye for clubbing – Lakmé Absolute Salon introduces the ‘Style Files’ – A 3 day extravaganza of fashion, style and beauty!!

Be part of the biggest beauty festival as stylists’ team up to get you RAMP WORTHY! With 3 full days of exciting beauty masterclasses and unbelievable discounts, this festival is definitely a must visit this season. That’s not all!

For these 3 days only – Lakmé Absolute Salon offers you a golden opportunity to avail a 15% discount on all its products and services!!! So plan ahead and book your appointments!

Don’t miss the ‘Style Files’ starting 18th April!
From the backstage to YOU – are you ready for all the attention coming your way?
Call 9819006482 to book your appointments

Day 1 – Forget the same red lipstick and black eyeliner look you wear every day, let our experts give you a dramatic overhaul and transform you, explore the latest runway looks straight from Lakmé Fashion Week customized just for you! Experience the hottest trends on your fingertips and be the showstopper of the weekend!

Day 2 – Explore exclusive hair treatments, guide your man to getting GQ worthy, get tips from our experts to get the perfect coif and get ready for Saturday night with your BFFs!! Did we forget to mention our range of international products handpicked for dedicated shopaholics?

Day 3 – Get your kids sport an all new haircut, get yourself an expert skin consultation along with personalized skin folder, be a part of the dolce vita while watching fashion’s favorite films with your friends. Sip on wine and enjoy the good life!!!

Come with your girl gang, bring your kids along or get your partners to dive into a truly stylish experience at Lakmé Absolute Salon.

Schedule for Style Files:

18th April – Day 1
4 PM onwards: Stuck in a BEAUTY RUT?
– Let our experts get you runway ready. Beauty & make up consultations specially for you
5 PM onwards: NAIL ART time
– Experience the hottest trends on your fingertips!
7 PM onwards: NAIL IT!
– A Masterclass on Nails
8 PM-10 PM: Get RAMP READY
– Get ready with your gal pals for the night out with flat 15% discount on services

19th April – Day 2
4 PM onwards: HAIR SPA Heaven
– Explore various discounts on hair treatments.
5 PM onwards: STYLE CHECK for your partner
– Guide your man to getting GQ worthy from our experts
6 PM onwards: HAIR Masterclass!
– Creative Head at Lakmé Absolute Salon shows you how to get that perfect coif.
8 PM-10PM: PARTY time!
– Get dressed with the girls and enjoy 15% discounts on all services.

20th April – Day 3
4 PM onwards: TOTS time!
– Get your kids along for a haircut and browse curated kids fashion.
6 PM onwards: UNDER YOUR SKIN!
– A skin Masterclass
8 PM-10 PM: MOVIE time!!
– Watch fashion’s favorite movie; Valentino – the Last Emperor with your friends while sipping on wine and enjoy the high life!!!

So head towards the Lakme Absolute Salon on any/all of the three days and get pampered with discounts on services or get to learn the art of makeup through masterclasses..and the best thing is..it is open to all !

Post Holi Biguine Kérastase Hair Ritual at JCB

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Post Holi Biguine Kérastase Hair Ritual at Jean-Claude Biguine Salon
So I did play Holi and my hair was definitely affected even though I had oiled it..and even though I had played only with colors..those colors are pretty drying dude..
 
And I had to wash my hair thrice to remove the color..that made the hair all the more drying..as the essential oils on the scalp which moisturise the scalp are also lost with frequent washing..
 
I definitely needed some hair pampering..and got to try this hair ritual at the perfect time..

Jean-Claude Biguine had post Holi Biguine Kérastase Hair Rituals..its like a detox for the hair..here is the official press release:

Indulge in the Biguine Kérastase Hair Ritual at Jean-Claude Biguine Salon and Spa

There’s no better day than Holi to let your hair down and indulge in some colourful revelry. So, don’t let it end on a sour note with hair woes. Post the chemicals and colours, indulge in the Biguine Kérastase Hair Ritual at Jean-Claude Biguine Salon and Spa for healthier and beautiful hair.

Hair can turn brittle and extremely dry if color remains in it for a long time. The Kérastase hair treatments provide shine; they moisturize and condition the hair, and help in repairing all types of hair damages. The Kérastase Chronologiste Caviar Ritual uses mimetic caviar pearls and special creams to nourish hair and make it feel softer, stronger and more lustrous. It is an excellent choice for deep conditioning of hair and scalp. Kérastase Ultime Liquide-Gold Oil Ritual provides instant radiance and deep nourishment to all types of hair – making it intensely shiny with a weightless touch. The Monodose Ritual is an express treatment that is offered primarily with a hair-wash. A Monodose Ritual for dry hair nourishes hair and makes it soft to touch.

The Kerastase hair rituals begin at INR 1500++ up to INR 2500++. The services are available across all Jean-Claude Biguine Salons & Spas, in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

To avail of the Biguine Kérastase Hair Ritual, book an appointment at your nearest salon.

Our present locations: Mumbai Bandra: 022- 65222211 | Colaba: 022-22153311 | Juhu: 022-66995555 | Kemps Corner: 022-66501111 | Khar(W), Linking Road: 022 26462626 | Lower Parel: 022- 65113311 | Lokhandwala: 022 – 65653300/22| Ghatkopar : 022- 25171700  Bangalore | Phoenix Market City, Whitefield: 080-67266666 | Lavelle Road: 080 – 41514000

So I went for this hair ritual..you must have seen my pic on Instagram, if you follow me. I was assisted by Zara.

And after checking my hair, she suggested the Kérastase Chronologiste Caviar Ritual for me..as my hair was slightly dry. I also asked her the difference in three and which is meant for which type of hair, and she explained well. 

Chronologiste Caviar Ritual is meant for normal to dry hair
Ultime Liquide-Gold Hair Ritual is meant for all types of hair
And there is one more..Signature Kerathermine which is meant for extremely dry hair

She explained the whole process in Chronologiste Caviar Ritual and how its not real caviar..since real caviar is super expensive and they cannot use it world wide as vegetarians and vegans would have an issue with it..so its basically artificial caviar..made up with vitamins, etc that are beneficial and hydrating for the hair..

Durations: 1.5 hrs

Price: Rs. 1500/- for Ultime Liquide-Gold Oil and Rs.2500/- for Chronologiste Caviar and Signature Kerathermine

Procedure followed:

1. My hair was checked first and after suggesting the Chronologiste Caviar Ritual, we started off with it..

2. Hair was shampooed twice with Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin 1 Shampoo..and towel dried.
3. The caviar was crushed and mixed well with the creme and applied all over the hair in sections..each strand at a time.
Artificial Caviar
Caviar and Creme
Mixed together
4. Then head and neck was massaged..and I was like sleeping on the chair..it was so super relaxing…Zara has magic in her hands !

5. Hair was given a mist (indirect steam) for 10 mins.
6. Washed hair again with plain water.

7. Kérastase Elixir Ultime Serum was used generously and hair was dried giving a cold blast and once normal blow dry. (no styling)

And this is the before and after..

I am telling you this pic does not do any justice to how my hair felt..they were so super soft and smooth..I just could not stop touching my hair !

I had to go for a hair cut the next day..and since it was blow dried and styled I could not wash and judge the difference later on..I will update this post as to how long the effect lasts and till when the hair feels and looks the same :p

But from what Zara told me, if hair is taken care of with proper serums and conditioning, the effect lasts a month..and this can be done monthly..or else if very dry hair, twice a month.

At JCB, they use mostly Kérastase and L’oreal Professional..and a few Moroccanoil products..

I highly recommend trying out the Biguine Kérastase Hair Ritual at Jean-Claude Biguine Salon..if your hair is normal kinds, the Ultime Liquide-Gold one would do..but its definitely to be experienced..you will love your hair ! 

I think its a perfect addition to must-do’s before the wedding for the brides !

Have you tried the Biguine Kérastase Hair Ritual at Jean-Claude Biguine Salon ??

P.S: Services were offered by the brand but that has not affected my opinion.

Four Yummy Homemade Body Scrubs

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Four Yummy Homemade Body Scrubs
Many ingredients from your kitchen can be used to make yummy-smelling face, body, and foot scrubs at home. Start with a skin-friendly exfoliant, such as oatmeal, cornmeal, sugar, or salt. Then choose a moisturizing, binding ingredient. I recommend honey and avocado, which are non irritating emollients, for the face. Olive or coconut oil will work well on the body and feet, especially on dry, scaly, or flaky skin.

However, if you tend to get breakouts on your chest or back, skip the oils and stick with honey or yogurt.

You can add other ingredients as well, such as fresh citrus juice (which acts as an astringent) or cucumber (which soothes skin). For a more aromatic scrub, add some fresh herbs or a few drops of skin-friendly essential oils. I love dessert, so I like cinnamon or vanilla in my scrubs — if you’re a chocoholic, try adding cocoa!

Below are a few recipes to get you started on your own scrubs:

Simple Cinnamon-Vanilla-Oatmeal Facial Scrub
1/4 cup oatmeal
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon plain yogurt

Cornmeal-Citrus Facial Scrub
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon fresh-squeezed citrus juice (lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit)
2 teaspoons honey
1 drop ylang-ylang essential oil (optional)
1 drop ginger essential oil (optional)

Avocado-Strawberry-Sugar Body Scrub
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup mashed avocado
1/4 cup mashed strawberry
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 cup minced fresh basil
1 drop rose essential oil (optional)

Rosemary, Mint & Salt Foot Scrub
1 cup coarse sea salt
5 tablespoons olive oil
3 sprigs fresh rosemary (remove leaves from stalk)
1 cup minced fresh mint
3 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)

Mix ingredients together and gently scrub your face, body, or feet. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Don’t they all sound so good enough to eat ! Yumm…the warm vanilla cinnamon..

Additionally you can scoop out a papaya or mango (or avocado) and save the fruit to eat later. Rub the inside surface of the skin all over your face and arms. The antioxidants and fruit enzymes will help soften your skin.

Source: 1

Whats your favorite homemade scrub ??